Videos

In this deeply engaging episode, Dr. Asia Lyons and Sarah Graham discuss the highs and lows of teaching, the systemic issues within public and charter schools, and the importance of culturally responsive and liberatory education. Sarah shares her personal journey, insights into creating inclusive curriculum, and the urgent need for rest and self-care. This episode is a must-listen for educators and anyone interested in the fight for educational equity.

In this episode of The Exit Interview, hosted by Dr. Asia Lyons, Julia Berry shares her transformative journey from wanting to be a teacher, doctor, and dancer as a child to becoming an educator focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Julia outlines her path from excelling in math and engineering, realizing her passion for teaching, to teaching youth in correctional and treatment facilities. She discusses the challenges she faced with leadership due to her bold approach to DEI work. Julia touches upon the impact of race and supremacy on educational settings and emphasizes the importance of leadership involvement in DEI efforts. After leaving several roles due to systemic resistance to change, she finally finds alignment with her values at a community-based organization rooted in ancient African philosophy. The conversation delves into the personal and professional grief Julia encountered, her methods of self-care, and the joy she finds in her children, gardening, and yoga p…

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia hosts Langston Jacobs (https://www.linkedin.com/in/langston-k-jacobs-ma-012b11179/) , a Black male educator who shares his journey and the challenges he faced as a dean of culture in a charter school. Langston discusses his strategies for creating a supportive school environment, the impact of his role on his own mental and physical health, and the significant effects on his family. He reveals how he redefined his approach to leadership and discipline, emphasizing the importance of empathy and community. Langston also highlights the broader systemic issues in education, including the need for mentorship and culturally relevant teaching. Now co-founder and director of men and youth programs at Adams Purpose (https://www.adamspurpose.org/) , Langston continues to support and heal communities through various therapeutic services.  Sign-up for the Black Educators, Be Well Newsletter (https://black-educator-be-well.ck.page/fbb2124668)  for u…

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons talks with therapist and researcher Jason Shankle about the importance of creating sacred spaces and emotional boundaries, particularly for Black educators facing racial battle fatigue. Jason shares his journey in education and psychology, and offers practical strategies for coping with racial battle fatigue. The conversation delves into the significance of rituals, the value of Black therapists, and the need for intentional self-care practices. Jason underscores the importance of not trying to change toxic work environments but rather focusing on personal healing and maintaining emotional equity.

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons hosts Asha von Liebtug, an inspiring educator from New Jersey, who shares her journey from student to teacher and beyond. Asha delves into the impact of her grandmother's influence, her teaching experiences in various educational settings, and her passion for curriculum development. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and holistic education, while also addressing the systemic challenges faced by Black educators. Tune in to gain insights on educational equity, teacher retention, and personal growth.

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview' podcast, hosted by Dr. Asia Lyons, Dr. Adrienne Smith shares her compelling journey as a Black educator. From humble beginnings working in fast food to overcoming hurdles in her pursuit of higher education, Dr. Smith details her experiences teaching in diverse environments, including Alaska. She highlights the importance of cultural competency, listening to Black and brown voices, and her transition to founding Adrienne's Educational Consulting Firm. The episode also delves into navigating toxic work cultures, the impact of COVID-19 on mental health, and the significance of family and community support.

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' hosts Dr. Asia Lyons delves into the often-overlooked aspects of early childhood education with guest Brittney Carey. We discuss the crucial role of early education, the challenges Black educators face in ECE, and the systemic issues that affect the retention of dedicated teachers in this field. Brittney shares her journey into education, insightful experiences in the classroom, and the harsh realities that led her to transition out of a traditional teaching environment. The conversation covers advocacy for early childhood education, systemic barriers, and the importance of creating inclusive educational spaces. Join us for an insightful discussion on the importance of early childhood education as a respected profession and the need for systemic change.

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' I sit down with Vanity Jenkins, a dedicated educator and advocate for culturally relevant pedagogy. We dive into Vanity's journey from sports management to education, her experiences teaching in the Mississippi Delta, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of historical context and systemic changes in education. Vanity shares invaluable insights into improving teacher retention, the impact of integration policies, and the critical role of parent and student voices in schools.

In this episode, of the Exit Interview, host Dr. Asia Lyons speaks with Sherinda Bryant, a former educator, about her journey and experiences in the field and love for Afrofuturism. They delve into the challenges faced by Black educators, the need for supporting Black students, and the creation of Bryant's Afrofuturism Discovery Academy. The conversation highlights the emotional and systemic hurdles in education, as well as innovative approaches to culturally responsive teaching and identity development.

This episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators takes a deep dive into the rarely discussed aspect of educator retention, specifically focusing on the Black educators who leave traditional education spaces. Featuring Jalisa Evans, a former teacher turned advocate, this powerful discussion uncovers the challenges, systemic issues, and personal stories behind Black educators' decisions to leave. Through Jalisa's journey from a teacher to a founder of the Black Educator Advocates Network, listeners are presented with both sobering realities and inspiring actions for change. The conversation pivots around anti-blackness in education, the significance of community, and the crucial role of Black educators in students' lives.

In celebration of Mental Health Month, Stacey Taylor-Brandon is back on The Exit Interview to talk about how her work supporting mature Black women was birthed out of her own desire to heal from the racism-related stress and racial battle fatigue she experienced as administrator and social worker in a Denver Area School District. Listen as she discusses ways that you can work toward your own healing and move forward to new spaces in your life without the guilt Black women are often burdened with.

Join us in this insightful episode of 'The Exit Interview' as we welcome Benita Gordon, a passionate educational advocate. In a candid discussion with Dr. Asia, Benita shares her journey from considering a career outside of education to embracing her calling as a teacher influenced by her family's legacy in teaching and the transformational impact of Black educators. Explored through her experiences and initiatives, this episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of Black educators, the importance of mentorship, and the creation of supportive and inclusive educational environments. Benita also discusses her involvement in innovative educational projects and the power of community support in shaping the future of education. Tune in to be inspired by Benita's dedication to making a difference in the lives of students and educators alike.

In this episode, Dr. Asia Lyons interviews Brittany Dawson, discussing the pivotal moments that led Brittany from the classroom to becoming a leadership coach. They explore the challenges faced by Black educators, the emotional and financial hurdles in the teaching profession, and the transformative decision to leave traditional teaching roles. Brittany shares her personal journey, offering insights into her initial attraction to education, the realities of working within public and charter school systems, and finally transitioning to a coaching role that aligns with her passion for making an impact beyond the classroom walls.

In this inspiring episode of The Exit Interview, we have the privilege of hearing from Elia Martin, a former educator and social worker turned grant manager, who shares her transformative journey through education, social work, and beyond. Elia's story takes us from her initial dreams of becoming a dentist to finding her true calling in supporting youth and families, mostly in Black communities. She discusses the challenges and motivations behind her career shifts, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, the impact of leadership changes, and the quest for better opportunities. Elia also delves into her current pursuits, including her work in grant management and her passion project, the Mommyana podcast, dedicated to the experiences of Black motherhood. Join us as we explore Elia's journey, her insights on Black educator retention, and her valuable advice for those contemplating a career transition.

This episode of The Exit Interview features a deep dive into the experiences and insights of Jailyn Jenkins, a former STEM educator who transitioned into a role supporting Black educators after facing burnout. Jailyn shares her personal journey, highlighting the significance of mental health, the critical need for authentic recruitment and retention strategies for educators of color, and the transformative power of rest and healing. The discussion also covers the establishment of BEST (BIPOC Educational STEM Thinkers), a community initiative aimed at fostering joy, belonging, and advocacy amongst educators of color. The episode is an inspiring call to action for supporting Black educators, enriching educational environments, and prioritizing well-being in the educational field.

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Dr. Asia Lyons and special guest Dr. Cletis Allen delve into the educational journey of black educators. Dr. Allen, an advocate for culturally responsive literacy instruction and a curriculum development specialist, shares her transition from a classroom teacher to a consultant. Discussing the importance of teacher participation in curriculum decisions, shared experiences of navigating through educational careers, and the significance of seeking joy and satisfaction in personal and professional life. This episode sheds light on challenges faced by black educators and explores the transformative power of education.

In this episode, of the Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators Yasha Chapman, an accomplished Black educator and CEO of Elementary Education Evolved, shares her experiences and insights about the challenges faced by Black educators and the importance of retaining them in the field of teaching. Yasha discusses her journey in education, from initially wanting to be a pharmacist to becoming a classroom teacher and eventually an instructional coach. She emphasizes the need to amplify the voices of Black educators, involve them in decision-making processes, and compensate them for their expertise. Yasha's consultancy, Elementary Education Evolved, focuses on providing professional development and coaching for new teachers and aims to close the academic achievement gap for Black and Brown students in the K-5 setting. This episode offers valuable insights and strategies for school districts, human resources departments, and school unions to better retain Black educators and create a m…

In this weeks compelling episode, we speak with Dr. Asia Lyons, CEO of Lyons Educational Consulting, co-facilitator of the Black Educator Wellness Cohort, and co-host of The Exit Interview Podcast. With experiences spanning Detroit to Denver, Dr. Lyons shares her journey, from attending a gifted high school and navigating failure in college, to shedding light on the critical role of community colleges and nontraditional pathways into education (#shoutout to those bus routes!).

After teaching in Atlanta's public schools Brittni had to make a choice, quit teaching or try her hand at teaching in the Middle East. Take a listen as she shares her experience as an educator both here and abroad, what she feels would improve schools in the United States and what she is up to now that she is back state side.

In this episode of The Exit Interview, Kev and Dr. Asia sit down with Deidra Fogarty founder of Black Girls Teach an organization that offers Black women educators a supportive environment to openly grow, collaborate, and unite as they demand change in education. Take a listen as she talks about her transition out of education, strategies she feels could turn the tied of Black women leaving education and how Black Girls Teach is changing the game for education across the U.S.

Michelle Emmanuelle is a former private school educator turned wellness educator, consultant, and professional speaker. In her episode, she discusses the ways she navigated pressures from administrators and students. Michelle also provides our audience with healing practices that they can begin anywhere and in any situation.

In this episode, we are joined by Lacey Robinson, the president and CEO of UnboundEd and the chair of the Board of CORE Learning. As CEO, Robinson sets the organizations vision for transforming instruction for students at the margins. She is a former teacher, principal, and professional development specialist who has focused on literacy, equity, and school leadership for more than 25 years. Her lifes work aims to enable educators to disrupt systemic inequities in their school districts and classrooms. She shares her journey from a pre-service educator at Marva Collins Prep to her current position in UnboundEd.

We're back for another episode! In this edition, we have a conversation with Ronda Haynes-Belen, a former family liaison who played a vital role in connecting families with essential resources within a school district in the Denver area. Tune in as she opens up about her encounters with instances of anti-Black sentiment within her department, her choice to step away from that environment, and the self-care and healing she now prioritizes.